Not too young to be suspended

(Ted S. Warren / AP)

Thousands of elementary students were suspended from public schools last year in Washington and its suburbs, many of them so young that they were learning about out-of-school discipline before they mastered spelling or arithmetic.

Teacher job protections debated in Va.

(Darrin Phegley / AP)

Virginia lawmakers are debating whether to eliminate seniority-based job protections for public school teachers, making the commonwealth another front in a national fight over tenure laws that critics say protect ineffective educators from dismissal.

Learning colors, shapes and Mandarin

(Sarah L. Voisin)

Can you say “house”? Students at a Pr. George’s Chinese immersion program can — in two languages.

10 states to receive No Child Left Behind waivers

(LARRY DOWNING / REUTERS)

The Obama administration will free 10 states from the requirements of No Child Left Behind, responding to complaints from teachers and school administrators across the country that the law is outdated and punitive.

Loudoun parents: Fines for tardy kids too far

(Astrid Riecken / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST)

Shoes get lost, backpacks get spilled, and some days members of the Denicore family get to school a minute or two late. They know that’s not ideal, but they don’t think it’s a Class 3 misdemeanor. The school system says it’s a child welfare issue.

Local education news

D.C. charter enrollment up 8 percent

Audited figures show slight decline in enrollment for D.C. traditional schools. Charter students now account for 41 percent of the city’s public enrollment.

More D.C. education news

House votes to eliminate teacher job protections

The fight now heads to the Senate, which is expected to vote Tuesday on a measure that would make far-reaching changes to teacher evaluations and employment.

More Va. education news

Starr : PFOX fliers ‘reprehensible and deplorable’

During a televised town hall meeting at Wootton High School organized to introduce the first-year superintendent to students, two teens asked what he thought — or planned to do — about the fliers.

More Md. education news

National Education

Chris Brown, the Grammys and anti-bullying efforts

At a time when schools across the country are struggling to figure out how to stop kids from savagely bullying each other, it seems fair to ask why the producers of the 2012 Grammy Awards thought it was an acceptable message to young people to allow Chris Brown to perform just three years after he famously beat up his girlfriend, Rihanna.

Obama seeks more education funds

For education, the president hopes to increase spending to $69.8 billion in fiscal 2013, which is 2.5 percent more than the current budget of $68.1 billion.

Whitney Houston Elementary School pays tribute — and her former principal remembers

The students and staff at New Jersey’ Whitney E. Houston Academy pay tribute to the late singer today. And her former principal, who is still there, remembers her.

More education news

Ranking D.C.’s schools

H-B Woodlawn tops the list of D.C. schools best preparing students for college. Where does your school rank?

Hamlet, for the LOL crowd

A Silver Spring teacher has a text-messaging take on Shakespeare — and thoughts on Maryland teens.

Auditioning for teachers

D.C. school officials aim for selectivity by requiring prospective teachers to give tryout lessons.

Spotlight on school discipline

Study unmasks myths about school discipline

Those in charge, not students, have more effect on punishment severity levels.

Arlington offers students ‘Second Chance’

The program offers a substance abuse session for teens caught using marijuana or alcohol.

Fairfax scales back discipline policy following suicide

Nick Stuban’s suicide prompts the School Board to veer away from forced transfers.

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The Washington Post's Mary Pat Flaherty reports from Charlottesville, Va. on the trial of George Huguely, who is charged with the murder of fellow University of Virginia lacrosse player Yeardley Love. As the trial enters its second week, the jury waits to hear the official cause of death. (Feb. 12)
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At the Conservative Political Action Conference--a combination trade show and political rally for College Republicans--conservatives express hope that the Repubican Party will be united behind a candidate before the general election in November. (Feb. 11)
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Photo Galleries

Our Washington

Post photographers are sharing their favorite area locations.

GOP looks to build on Loudoun successes

Last year, Republicans captured all the seats on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. Now, the party hopes to make the county a stronghold in this year’s elections.

Brrr-ief run for a good cause

Hundreds of folks stripped down and took to their unmentionables Saturday for the third annual Cupid’s Undie Run in the District.

Questions swirl about slavery museum

Donors wonder about plans for U.S. National Slavery Museum.

Va. school boasts large number of multiracial students

Caroline Middle School’s large multiracial population wouldn’t be possible without Mildred and Richard Loving, a couple from the school’s county whose Supreme Court case 45 years ago paved the way for mixed-race marriages.

Donald Trump’s foothold in Washington

Trump’s plan for the Old Post Office Pavilion isn’t the first indication of his influence in the Washington region.

Putting down roots in Brookmont

The Washington area has long been defined by its transience. But pockets of permanence dot the region.

A snowy afternoon in Maryland

A light snowfall descends on the rural community of Middletown in Frederick County.

Tebowing: It’s not just for Tebow anymore

Celebrities, politicians and athletes get into Denver Broncos’ quarterback Tim Tebow’s famous pose.

More photos